Green Speed

All around the golf industry and community, green speed is a common topic of discussion.  High green speeds seem to be becoming the norm for golf courses around the country.  "The Brook" has a reputation for fast greens which is something the staff is very proud of.  However, at this time of a year, maintaining those speeds is extremely difficult. 

Aerifying greens, which is always done in the spring, disrupts the surface and makes for a bumpier putt.  This obviously has a negative effect on ball roll.  But seeing as aerifying is a necessity (see previous articles) this setback cannot be helped.  Also, to help the recovering of the greens from winter injury and aerification, they are heavily fertilized (large amounts of nitrogen and other essential nutrients that encourage lush growth). 

Another factor that effects green speed is the appearance of seed heads.  Poa annua is an amazing plant, that can still go to seed when mowed at .125".  The white cast that the greens, tee's and fairways are displaying is the result of these seed heads.  They too, slow the speed of putts. 

Fortunately, poa stops producing seed in early to mid-June and the recovering of the greens from aeration is already fast underway.  We have started to increase the speed of the greens by rolling more often and we will soon lower the height of cut from .130" to .120".  The combination of these, along with our light irrigation and fertilization plans, will have the greens rocking and rolling in no time.  Remember to stay pin-high and enjoy.